What are the role model professions?

[Scuba]

Americans have a whole bunch of people typically seen as role models. Athletes, movie stars, singers and rappers all are role models for young people whether they want to be or not. And whether they deserve to be or not.

I don't expect anyone in those professions to behave like a role model, and I don't think most Americans expect that either. I would never point to those professions as a source of role models for my children.

There are three professions, however, in which I and other Americans DO expect role model behaviour. Two of those professions fail miserably, with transgressions so ugly and frequent that they make your skin crawl.

The third profession however, does a great job of providing role models for our youth. Scandals are rare, particularly considering the abundant opportunity for transgressions. So why is this profession the one that is demonized?

The three professions where Americans expect - even demand - exemplary role model behaviour are, of course, politicians, clergy and teachers. Only teachers come close to meeting our standards. Perhaps we should give them a bit more respect.

[MadHound]

1. Perhaps we should, but we don't

Instead we berate and belittle them, continue to drive them into the ground, blame them for all manner of societal ills, and then, as non-educators, dictate policy to them about education.

Meanwhile, in countries where quality of education is very high, teachers are given the same sense of respect, and pay scale, as we give doctors. ;/

[WinkyDink]

2. Adults should be role models for the young. Period. "Professions" are too narrow in scope.

It would be nice if all adults acted honorably, regardless of their profession and regardless of whether any of their time is spent with children or in front of children (e.g., athletes; performers).

[dipsydoodle]

3. Broadly speaking

politicians are only role models for those heavily into vacant promises.

Yes - teachers are generally good role models second possibly only to bacon rolls. :)

[Javaman]

4. I look at politicians as...

over educated used car salesmen.